Composers should write tunes that chauffeurs and errand boys can whistle. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share Image
The trouble with women in an orchestra is that if they're attractive it will upset my players and if they're not it… — Thomas Beecham Copy Share Image
Elgar's first symphony is the musical equivalent of St Pancras Railway Station. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share Image
Music first and last should sound well, should allure and enchant the ear. Never mind the inner significance. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share Image
There are two golden rules for an orchestra: start together and finish together. The public doesn't give a damn what goes on… — Thomas Beecham Copy Share Image
Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the memory. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share Image
The function of music is to release us from the tyranny of conscious thought. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share Image
The grand tune is the only thing in music that the great public really understands. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share Image
The bagpipes sound exactly the same when you have finished as when you started — Thomas Beecham Copy Share Image
If I were a dictator I should make it compulsory for every member of the population between the ages of four and… — Thomas Beecham Copy Share Image
Composers and musicians have always starved and, as this is a sentimental country, we think the tradition should be continued. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share Image
As you'll never hear the thing again, my boy, why not throw in a couple of brass bands? — Thomas Beecham Copy Share
Without question the most unpopular medium of musical sound in the world. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share
The sound of the harpsichord resembles that of a bird-cage played with toasting-forks. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share
Composers and musicians have always starved and, as this is a sentimental country, we think the tradition should be continued. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share
The grand tune is the only thing in music that the great public really understands. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share
I have just been all round the world and have formed a very poor opinion of it. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share
Madam, you have between your legs an instrument capable of giving pleasure to thousands and all you can do is scratch it. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share
In the first movement alone, I took note of six pregnancies and at least four miscarriages. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share
Beethoven's last quartets were written by a deaf man and should only be listened to by a deaf man. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share
Have you heard any Stockhausen?" Beecham was asked. "No, but I believe I have stepped in some. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share
If she is attractive, I can't perform with her; if she is not, then I won't. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share
All the arts in America are a gigantic racket run by unscrupulous men for unhealthy women. — Thomas Beecham Copy Share
